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S-VDR System
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A Brief introduction on how to implement

Tron S-VDR CAPSULE into your
S-VDR (or VDR) system

What is Tron S-VDR Capsule?

Tron S-VDR Capsule is a combined FRM (Final Recording Medium) and Cospas-Sarsat
EPIRB (406 & 121.5 Mhz).
It has a Memory module with standard 1.7GB storage capacity, and 10 Mbit Ethernet with
TCP/IP interface. The memory module can be ordered as an option in larger sizes at an
extra cost. The capsule will store 12 hours of voyage data from the S-VDR system.
If the ship is sinking, the capsule will float free and automatically transmit its position
together with its MMSI and other ship specific data for at least 7 days. The Tron S-VDR
Capsule can also be activated manually.
The capsule can be retrieved, and the data read back in conjunction with the ship owner,
the maritime investigator and the S-VDR manufacturer (See MSC/Circ. 1024).

Is it difficult to interface to the Tron S-VDR Capsule?

No, standard 10Base-T Ethernet with TCP/IP protocol. Information about how to connect
can be found in the following chapters in the manuals:
• User Manual: 3.1.6 ,3.1.7 and 4.5
• Technical Manual:
1. Hardware: 5.2, 5.3
2. Configuration and Operation: 1.6
3. Test: 2.3

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0,5
Where should it be mounted?
The requirements for where it should be mounted are described in SOLAS 1974 chapter IV, Reg 7.1.6, 8.1.5.2, 9.1.3.1,
10.1.4.1, 10.2.3.1 and IMO resolutions A.763 (18), A.810 (19), as amended and also COMSAR Circ.32 from 2003, see chapter 4.10
about EPIRB placement: http://www.imo.org/includes/blastData.asp/doc_id=4511/32.pdf
And the Norwegian interpretation of the same: http://www.sjofartsdir.no/upload_attachment/22.09.05_NIS_circ_07_2005.doc
See also the description in chapter 4 of the «Users manual» about installation.

Do you need any extra equipment for preparation of the Tron S-VDR
Capsule?
That depends. Here are three different possibilities:
1. Tron S-VDR Capsule may be prepared and programmed by JOTRON
2. The Tron S-VDR Capsule may be programmed by one of JOTRON’s agents. There are more
than 200 around the world. See information
at:http://www.jotron.com/maritime/default.htm and press «Agents» in the left menu
3. You may obtain your own programming equipment, a PRU-40 with software PR40. This
can be purchased from us. You will have to undertake a programming course to use this
equipment. If you place an order for more than 10 Tron S-VDR Capsules, you will get this
equipment free of charge with a course here in Tjodalyng, Norway. Alternatively we can
hold the course at your premises with the only cost being hotel and travel. The
programming course will last for one day and will cover the following issues:
• How the COSPAS-SARSAT system works
• Programming of S-VDR Capsule (EPIRB)
• Maintenance and regulations (MSC/Circ. 1040, MSC/Circ. 1039 and SOLAS chapter
IV./15.9.2)

How do you prepare the Tron S-VDR Capsule before delivery?

If the Tron S-VDR Capsule is not already prepared by JOTRON, the following must be carried out:
FRM part:
Connect to the Tron S-VDR Capsule using a dedicated computer configured as described in
Technical Manual, chapter 1.6
• Change IP address of the capsule, if not default are used(Technical man. 1.6.2.1.2)
• Change host name -»-, -- » -- (Technical man. 1.6.2.1.2)
• Change password, -»-, -- » --
(Technical man. 1.6.2.2)
EPIRB part:
Use a computer, running the program «PR40», con-
nected to a «PRU-40», programming interface unit,
and program the information below into the EPIRB.
(See example in the right window)
• MMSI (If not available use serial protocol
from the ships flag state)
• Call sign
• Vessel name
Transfer the information from the «Programming
report» to the label, and mark the «Battery
expiration due» with correct expiration date.
Fig 1: Example of PR-40 programming ov Tron S-
S-VDR system:
VDR CAPSULE
• Connect the Tron S-VDR Capsule to the S-
VDR system and check that storage and playback function properly
Supply the «Programming report» together with the Capsule to the ship.

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How and when to test the Capsule?
EPIRB part:
1. As described in «User manual», chapter 5.4, but the EPIRB does not need to be
removed from the bracket to do the SELF TEST.
2. If the Capsule is the main EPIRB onboard, it needs to comply with SOLAS chapter.
IV/15.9.1, yearly check according to MSC/Circ. 1040, and 5 year SBM (Shore
Based Maintenance) as described in SOLAS chapter IV/15.9.2 according to
MSC/Circ. 1039.
FRM part:
The check will be done from the S-VDR control panel according to the S-VDR
manufacturer’s instructions, once a year.

Maintenance and replacement

Every year:
Take the Capsule out of the bracket, and add some
grease to the connector gasket to prevent water
ingress.

Fig 2: Add grease (Molykote

HP-870) to the Quad-Ring
gasket. (Jotron Partno. 82377)
Every 2 years:
Change the Hydrostatic release with plastic bolt as
described in «User Manual» chapter 4.4
Every 5 years:
Change Battery or do SBM (Shore Based Maintenance) as described in chapter 5.6
in the «Users Manual»

Can the Tron S-VDR be delivered from our stock to your end-user?
That depends on what information we have received from you.
We need the following information and equipment:
FRM part:
• IP address of the capsule, if not available then default is used
• host name -»-, -- » --
• password, -»-, -- » --
EPIRB part:
• MMSI (If not available then use serial protocol for that country)
• Call sign
• Vessel name
Other:
• Order and logistic information from you.
• If your S-VDR system is approved with an OEM label on the Capsule, this needs to be
supplied before delivery.

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Transportation, how?
The battery of the Tron S-VDR Capsule is classified as «Dangerous goods», Class 9, and must
therefore be transported as such.
Subject to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations UN3090/UN3091 for transportation by air.

How long will it take for JOTRON to supply a Tron S-VDR Capsule
anywhere in the world?
If we have the Tron S-VDR Capsule in stock, we can normally deliver anywhere* within a week or
a week and a half. (After receipt of written order)
*
Destination needs to be fairly close to an international airport

References to documentation
• Tron S-VDR CAPSULE – Users Manual, version A2
• Tron S-VDR CAPSULE - Technical Manual, version J
• MSC/Circ.1024 29 May 2002 GUIDELINES ON VOYAGE DATA RECORDER (VDR) OWNERSHIP AND RECOVERY
• MSC/Circ.1040 28 May 2002: GUIDELINES ON ANNUAL TESTING OF 406 MHz SATELLITE EPIRBs
• MSC/Circ.1039 28 May 2002: GUIDELINES FOR SHORE-BASED MAINTENANCE OF SATELLITE EPIRBs
• COMSAR/Circ.32 16 August 2004: HARMONIZATION OF GMDSS REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIOINSTALLATIONS ON BOARD SOLAS
SHIPS
• Shipping Batteries Safely: What FedEx®Wants You to Know

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